What method is best for cleaning a paint roller?

just adding to the overall advice ----firstly get off as much paint as you can---using your hand is probably the best then pop it into a plastic gadget for cleaning rollers which is attached to the hose . This really does a good job then you take it out and wash as usual helps if you can take it off the roller contraption also as paint gets inside. The really good ones are worth cleaningWhat method is best for cleaning a paint roller?
OK this is what I do Buy disposables!!What method is best for cleaning a paint roller?
lots of running water, and about 5 minutes of your time.





or





get someone else to do it lol





there is no other way
put it to soak in whitespirit. People who use to do some painting do it.
Hi Rudy...





To clean roller covers completely and effectively, you'll need 3 tools. The purchase of these tools are not inexpensive, so you'll need to do a lot of painting to offset the cost versus that of just throwing the used covers away...





To begin with, do NOT buy cheap disposable covers. Even if you throw your roller cover away after use, spend the money on a high quality cover - the difference in the ease of paint application, hiding, uniformity of sheen and paint film, spatter and less fiber ending up on the wall will more than make up the couple of dollars difference between a high quality or a disposable cover.





OK..the tools you'll need are:





(1) Roller Scraper - this is the curved side of a 5-way tool or some putty knives (cost is usually between $2.00 - $6.00). Scrape your roller cover with this blade to remove any excess paint that remains in your roller cover (even after you think you've rolled the cover dry, you'll be amazed at how much paint you'll be able to scrape out with this tool)...





(2) Roller Washer - This tool is available at most paint stores, some hardware stores and possibly big boxes such as Lowes and Home Depot and usually costs around $20.00. A Roller Washer is a clear plastic cylinder with removeable caps on both ends. The roller cover fits snug inside the cylinder - The top side of the washer has a female fitting for a garden hose (or an attachment to fit on kitchen faucet)....Attach to garden hose and turn water on for about 2 minutes (water flows through the tube and exits from bottom cap into sink or onto ground). The force and volume of water through the cylinder removes any residual paint from cover.





(3) Roller/Brush Spinner - Again this tool is available at paint stores, hardwares and big boxes and sells from $15.00 - $25.00. There is a ';prong'; on the end of the spinner that fits snugly into the core of the cover. Simply hold the spinner over a sink, 5 gallon bucket or outdoors and start spinning the cover by pumping the handle. This'll remove excess water in the cover and leave the fabric cleaned and ';fluffy';, and in practically ';like new'; condition for your next application.





Obviously, this system is for use when working with latex paints and will not work on roller covers that have allowed paint to actually dry in the fibers (throw those covers away). But when using a new cover with water soluble paint, this system will allow that cover to be used on several projects before throwing away.





I hope this info is more helpful than confusing. Check with you local, independently owned paint dealer for these tools and additioinal tips and tricks on cleaning brushes and rollers. Good luck.





Ric
use as much paint off it as possible, on the wall or newspaper, remove the sleeve using another sheet, wash off excess in warmwater and leave to soak giving it a bit of a wash every hour or so and changing the water. when clean shake off excess water and hang up to dry.
Try to get as much paint off the roller first then run it under the tap whilst running your hand down the roller at the same time this works for me. Or alternatively just buy a new roller as you can pick them up at the pound shop.
Let it soak.


I usually spray it with water using a garden hose.


Its more fun to watch it spin round and round
warm soapy water.
throw it away. those roller covers only cost like $.25 each.
water for latex paint, paint thinner, mineral oil or laquer thinner for most oil base paints, read the can if you havnt dripped paint down the side.